The situation when, after purchase or rearrangement furniture it turns out that Atlant refrigerator opens in the wrong direction, familiar to many. This creates obvious inconveniences during operation, especially in small kitchens, where every centimeter of space counts. Fortunately, the design of most brand models provides the ability to reversing the doors without the involvement of specialists.
The process of changing the opening side takes no more than an hour if you act carefully and follow the sequence of operations. Owners often worry that this is a complex technical procedure that requires special tools, but in reality door reverse it is accessible to any home craftsman. The main thing is to understand the structure of the hinge units and not to use excessive force during dismantling.
In this article we will look in detail at how to change the direction of door opening on two-chamber models Atlant. We will look at the nuances of working with various series, including those that require disassembling plastic plugs, and models with electronics. You will find out what tools you will need and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with the body of household appliances, it is necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of work. You will need free space around the unit so that you can walk around it on all sides. It is also extremely important de-energize the deviceto remove the plug from the socket to avoid accidentally turning on the compressor or damaging the wiring due to careless handling.
To carry out work on hanging the doors on the refrigerator Atlant you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, a standard home workshop is sufficient, but the presence of high-quality tools will greatly simplify the task and reduce the risk of stripping the thread.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers: Phillips and flat (often a flat one is required for prying up the plugs).
- 🔩 Keys: open-end or 8, 10 mm sockets (sometimes a hexagon is required).
- 🧤 Protective gloves: to avoid cutting yourself on sharp metal edges.
- 🔨 Plastic spatula: for carefully removing decorative panels without scratches.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door, especially the bottom one, is quite heavy. It is recommended to carry out work with an assistant to avoid the canvas falling and damaging the floor covering or your own feet.
Do not forget to clear the door shelves from food and cans to reduce the weight of the structure. It is also advisable to remove all removable shelves from the main chamber if they interfere with access to the fasteners or may fall out when the case is tilted.
☑️ Preparation for rehanging
Design features of Atlant models
Belarusian manufacturer Atlant produces a wide range of models a number of refrigerators, and the design of the hinges may vary slightly. Most two-chamber models have symmetrical holes hinges for installing hinges on both sides of the body. This means that you don’t have to drill new metal, you just need to rearrange the fittings.
However, there are nuances that depend on the series. In older or budget models, the plastic plugs on the front panel may be blank and will have to be carefully drilled or cut out to install the hinges. In modern series, such as XM-4000 or XM-6000, universal plugs are often used, which are simply swapped.
Electronically controlled models deserve special attention. If the display is located on the door, then when rehanging it will be necessary to disconnect the cables. This adds complexity, since you need to be extremely careful with contact groupsso as not to damage thin wires.
| Model type | Location of loops | Presence of plugs | Complexity of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical (mechanics) | Hidden/External | Available on both sides | Low |
| With display on doors | Hidden | Yes, but cable gets in the way | High |
| No Frost (two-chamber) | Combined | Requires rearrangement | Average |
Do you need to drill new holes?
In 95% of cases, Atlant cases already have technological holes on the reverse side. They are closed with decorative plugs. You only need to drill the body in very old models or if the previous owners have already changed the side and damaged the thread.
Removing the top door of the refrigerator
The process should always start from the top door. This is because the bottom door often serves as a support or has a more complex middle hinge attachment system. The first step is to remove the decorative panel hiding the top hinge. It is usually secured with latches or a single screw.
Use a flathead screwdriver or plastic spatula to carefully pry the cover off. Do not use excessive force; the plastic can be brittle, especially if the refrigerator is many years old. After removing the cover, you will see the upper hinge mounting bolts.
In models with electronics, you need to be extremely careful at this stage. If there are wires coming to the door, they must be disconnected. Usually the connectors are located under the top cover or in a special channel. Remember or take a photo The order of connecting the wires, so as not to mix up the contacts during assembly.
After unscrewing the bolts, the top hinge can be removed. It is important to hold the door with your second hand, since after removing the fasteners it no longer holds anything. Carefully remove the top door leaf and put it in a safe place, it is best to place it on a soft surface.
Reversing the bottom door of the freezer
After removing the top door, access to the middle hinge, which holds the bottom block of the freezer, opens. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant this is a critical unit. First, you need to unscrew the middle hinge itself, but do not remove it completely yet, if the design provides for dismantling the door along with it.
Most instructions recommend removing the bottom door first. To do this, the middle loop is unscrewed and the bottom sheet is carefully removed down. Pay attention to the bushings and washers - they cannot be lost. These small parts ensure smooth operation and clearance between the body and the door.
Now is the time to start rearranging the fittings. Remove the pins and bushings from the removed hinges. If there are plastic plugs on the front side of the case at the future fastening points, they must be removed. In their place, loops are installed (or plugs, if the loops remain on the other side).
Install the middle loop on the new side (right or left, depending on your purpose). Screw in the mounting bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to adjust the position of the door during final assembly. Make sure that the mating part of the loop (pin) is facing up.
Assembling and adjusting the gaps
The final stage is installing the door panels in new places. Start with the bottom door. Place it on the middle loop pin. If everything is done correctly, the door should stand straight, without distortions. Now you can finally tighten the middle hinge bolts.
Next, the upper door is installed. Align the holes on the bottom hinge of the top door with the mounting holes on the frame. Insert the bolts and tighten them. Only after this is the top hinge installed, which holds the structure together. Tighten all bolts with a wrench, ensuring reliable fixation.
The most important point is adjusting the gaps. The door should fit tightly around the entire perimeter of the body. If you notice a misalignment, you can slightly loosen the middle hinge and move the door left or right, up or down. Once a perfect fit is achieved, tighten the bolts completely.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overtighten the hinge bolts. Excessive force can lead to deformation of the metal sleeve or breakage of the threads in the refrigerator body, which will make further adjustment impossible.
If your model had a display, carefully connect the cables, making sure that they are not pinched by the door when closing. Install all decorative caps and plastic panels in their new places. Excess holes on the opposite side are closed with plugs included in the kit or removed from the working side.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
In the process, beginners often make mistakes that can lead to operational problems. One of the most common is the loss of washers and bushings. These small details are critical to proper clearance. If you assemble the door without them, the seal may not fit, and the cold will escape.
Another mistake is ignoring the floor level. After rehanging, the door may begin to open on its own. This means that the refrigerator is not level. It is necessary to tighten the front adjusting legs so that the case has a slight winding back.
Also, users often forget about magnetic valve (if it is in the model) or confuse the side of installation of the handles. If the handle is asymmetrical, it also needs to be rearranged by unscrewing the screws on the inside of the door.
- 🚫 Forgot about the washers: the door is skewed and does not close all the way.
- 🚫 The bolts are loosely tightened: the door sags after a week operation.
- 🚫 The seal is damaged: if you remove the door carelessly, you can tear the rubber band.
If after all the manipulations the door does not close tightly, check the cleanliness of the seal and the absence of foreign objects on shelves that may interfere with closing. Also make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rehanging it?
It is not necessary to specifically defrost the unit if there is no ice inside that can fall out when the door is tilted. However, if you plan to work for a long time, it is better to turn off the refrigerator in advance so that it defrosts naturally and water does not flow out when removing the doors.
What to do if the plugs for the holes are lost?
Plugs can be ordered at the service center Atlant by model number. Temporarily, the holes can be sealed with a decorative sticker or carefully painted over with a marker in the color of the body so that they do not catch the eye.
Is it possible to hang the door alone?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The door is heavy and slippery. Without the help of a second person, there is a high risk of dropping it on the floor, damaging the coating or getting injured. It’s better to call an assistant for 10-15 minutes.
Why did the refrigerator become louder after re-hanging?
The hinges themselves do not affect the noise of the compressor. You may have not tightened the mounting bolts properly and the door is rattling when the motor is running. Check the tightness of all screws. Also make sure that the refrigerator does not touch the wall or furniture.